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Published : 07 Feb 2015, 03:09 PM
This is for his significant contribution towards promoting socially and environmentally responsible financing in Bangladesh without compromising macroeconomic stability, said Brian Caplen, chief editor of 'The Banker' while presenting the award at a ceremony held in the House of Lords on Friday.
In November last year, Rahman received the ‘GUSI Peace Prize International 2014’ award in recognition of his work in establishing peace by reducing poverty in Bangladesh.
The ceremony at London was chaired by Lord Sheikh, who said in his speech: ‘Dr. Rahman is a worthy recipient of this award. The award is a clear recognition of his remarkable contributions towards empowering poorer segments of the population. Dr. Rahman, through his pioneering work has managed to include the farmers in the formal financial system, who previously had limited or no access to the financial market."
He also applauded the gains made by the Bangladesh economy in which Governor Rahman plays a strategic role.
Brian Caplen said : "What impressed the editors was that Dr. Rahman’s performance was not only what we expect from a central bank governor such as controlling inflation and ensuring stable economic conditions, but also his unique and interesting ideas which contributed to social good in Bangladesh."
He particularly appreciated the 'farsighted, courageous and regulatory decisions" of Governor Rahman.
The award ceremony was followed by a panel discussion moderated by the Asia Editor of The Banker, Stefania Palma.
Governor Rahman in his acceptance speech said : " In the global economy today, clouds of deflationary gloom are deepening; directionless pumping of liquidity by quantitative easing is yielding little in sustained growth optimism while heightening instability risks for the global economy; in this context a deliberate directional bias channeling financial flows towards inclusive financing of environmentally sustainable domestic demand driven output initiatives including those of farm and non-farm SMEs is the only way forward for restoring global output growth back on a sustained stable growth path."
The programme ended with comments from distinguished guests present at the ceremony. Bangladesh High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Md Abdul Hannan said.
‘Dr. Rahman made a critical balance between the monetary and fiscal policy. He has effectively internalized the vision of social inclusiveness.’
According to Rushanara Ali MP, ‘Atiur Rahman’s work has quite effectively demonstrated how central banks can play a key role in promoting socially responsible financing.’ She also believes, ‘Bangladesh can be a role model of inclusive socio-economic development for the rest of the world.’
In her speech, Baroness Uddin said, ‘Bangladesh is obviously a success story, and this recognition indicates that the country is doing really well.’
Amongst others leading bankers, economists, politicians, and media personalities were present during the ceremony.
